Things to see and do

Learn the story of our plants from displays around the garden. From how they’re used to how they survive in every habitat on the planet. Our large glasshouses span four different climates, including tropical and subtropical zones. Come and see the Lotus flowers and discover where chocolate comes from. Enjoy our Chinese herb garden and evolutionary exhibits. More to see and do in these gardens:

• Trees and plants
• Wildlife and nature
• Self-guided walking tours and visitor map
• Public art
• Volunteer
• Instagram for the Botanic Garden

Trees and plants

The Botanic Garden has over 4,500 species of plants, all of which are labelled. Learn more about the beautiful range of plants in the garden.

We survey our trees annually, to monitor their health. You can see the name, location and detailed information about our trees, with photographs, on our tree map. Click or tap on a tree on the map for more information about it.

If you are in the garden, you use the QR codes on many of our larger or more unusual trees to access detailed information about them on the online map. 

Seasonal interest

Throughout the year, our garden offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events designed to showcase the seasonal highlights and celebrate the rich biodiversity within the garden.

Wildlife and nature

You’ll find lots of birds, mammals and insects across the garden. Whether you’re in the meadows, by the pond or in the peaceful woodland areas, look out for wildlife.

Self-guided walking tours and visitor map

Our audio tours take you on an immersive journey through the garden. Walk around at your own pace and learn facts about our plants. We also have a visitor map to ensure you won’t miss anything.

Download the Botanic Garden walking tour and visitor map (PDF, 1,247kB)

You can also pick up a copy from the display case next to the Welcome Lodge (small wooden white building) outside the main entrance to the garden.

Public art

There’s always something exciting happening at our garden. We love supporting our talented local artists, and you can often find their beautiful illustrations displayed in our refreshments room.

During every Easter holiday, we host an annual Sculpture Festival in the garden. Come and admire some incredible artworks while soaking up the natural beauty all around you.

There is one work of public art nearby in Wills Hall Garden, which you can visit for free. This is Edith and Hans, by Sarah Staton.

Find further works of public art on permanent display around the University.

Volunteer

There are many different activities that you could help with. Our volunteering opportunities include:

• practical garden duties
• leading garden tours
• assisting with events.

Learn more about how to take part in volunteering activities on our Botanic Garden website.

Instagram for the Botanic Garden

See what others are doing in the garden and add your own images #bristolbotanicgarden or tag us in your stories @BrisBotanicGdn.

Facilities

• Access
• Parking
• Bike storage
• Refreshments and toilets
• Seats and benches
• Code of conduct

Access

The garden is largely accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is a designated path leading around the garden and glasshouses.

Parking

Parking is extremely limited at the Botanic Garden. If you have a blue badge or have restricted mobility, you can park in the walled garden car park. All other drivers should park in the local area, on Stoke Park Road or around the Downs. These spaces offer five hours of free parking.

Bike storage

The Botanic Garden has a number of bicycle racks at the Welcome Lodge and next to the Linneaus Study Room.

Refreshment and toilets

Chandos Deli provide refreshments in our cafe, which is on the terrace near the entrance. Free drinking water can be found at the Welcome Lodge. 

The nearest University Source Cafe is at Hiatt Baker Hall. This is open to the public. Find Source Cafe opening hours.

There are toilets located near the Linneaus study room.

Seats and benches

There are several benches near the paths all around the gardens.

Code of conduct

These are public gardens, and we expect visitors to treat the space with respect and courtesy:

• Take your litter home with you.
• Only assistance dogs are allowed; keep dogs on leads and clean up after your dog.
• Supervise children.
• Stick to paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and don't damage property, trees, plants or lawns.
• No barbecues, fires, camping, skateboarding, or aggressive cycling.
• Follow additional safety instructions, if there are building works taking place.

History of the site and the garden design

Find out more about the history of the site how the garden design has evolved. 

In 1882, Bristol University College awarded Adolf Leipner a grant of £15 to build a botanic garden. Leipner raised an extra £89 and the garden was built. The original site was nearby to Royal Fort House on University Road. The garden later moved to Tyndall Avenue until 1959.

With the building of Senate House in 1959, the garden and collections were moved to Bracken Hill. The garden stayed there until 2005, when it moved to the site it’s on today. Ours was the first university botanic garden to be created in the United Kingdom in nearly 40 years.

The garden offers a meandering 'organic' trail through a blend of informal and formal plantings and is designed to be both educational and attractive.

Read more about the history of the garden.

Research in the Botanic Garden

Our gardens and green spaces are often used for research projects involving: 

• small mammals such as bats and birds
• larger mammals such as badgers and foxes
• insects such as moths and bees.

We welcome researchers and research projects from various disciplines, including archaeology, art history, biological sciences, geography and geology.

Learn more about doing research in our gardens.